Mental Imagery and Targeted Memory Reactivation in Insomnia

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, GENEVA · Mar 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring new ways to help people with insomnia, a condition that makes it hard to fall or stay asleep. Researchers are testing two techniques: one called Mental Imagery Rescripting (IR), where patients learn to change negative thoughts or memories into positive ones, and another called Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR), which uses specific smells to help strengthen good memories. Participants will be divided into four groups, each receiving different treatments over four weeks. The goal is to see if these methods can help reduce insomnia symptoms and improve sleep quality.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be between 18 and 45 years old and have insomnia as defined by specific guidelines. They should also have a certain level of insomnia severity and not currently be undergoing other insomnia treatments. Throughout the study, participants can expect to attend weekly sessions and practice techniques at home, with some groups also using specific scents during the sessions. At the end of the study, those who still have trouble sleeping will have the chance to try a unique treatment involving a rocking bed for one night. This trial is currently looking for volunteers, and all genders are welcome to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 18 and 45 years
• • Insomnia disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases 3 (ICSD-3)
• • ISI \> 10
• • PSQI \> 5
• • No other current treatment for Insomnia
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • patients with another psychiatric disorder requiring acute treatment according to DSM-5
• • patients with medical (e.g. neurological disorders) or other disorders explaining the predominant complaint of insomnia (e.g., sleep apneas with ODI\>15/h, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements with PLM\>15, chronic pain)
• • patients with significant substance use/withdrawal
• • patients with heavy smoking
• • known pregnancy
• • patients suffering from anosmia, olfactory related issues and respiratory pathology